Ravi K assures boost for gem industry

Measures will be taken to further promote the gem industry in the international market, thereby earning more foreign exchange to the country, Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake said.

The Minister said that the Government would take action to find a global market for the rare varieties of gems of Sri Lanka.

The Minister expressed these views when he arrived at the BMICH on 4 September to visit FACETS Sri Lanka 2016 – the international gems and jewellery exhibition organised by the Gems and Jewellery Authority for the 26th time. The exhibition started on 1 September.

The Minister, who inspected exhibition stalls, also engaged in an informal conversation with industry entrepreneurs and organisers.

Later, addressing a media conference, the Minister said that Sri Lanka had master craftsmen in the trade.

The Minister pointed out therefore Sri Lankan customers who wanted to purchase jewellery should no longer need to visit foreign markets to buy jewellery.

Minster Karunanayake also stressed that the proposals and views would be discussed with the gems and jewellery businessmen to improve the local market. He said that the Government was ready to extend its fullest support to develop the industry.